A FIRST class architecture student from Sedgwick has been named 'best in show' for her final year project.

Esme Kilshaw, who has graduated with a degree in BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design from Leeds Beckett University, exhibited her work at the Interior Educators Show in London.

Her project was to convert Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands into a hydro cemetery, an eco friendly version of cremation.

"The main focus was Balfour Battery (WW1/2 bunkers)," Esme explained. "I drew up the architectural plans, elevations and sections and took a full analysis of the site from wind direction to understanding the structure of the buildings.

"I spent every summer in Orkney since a child so to be able to study these buildings during my final year was very special to me."

Esme's project was entered into the Interior Educators Show after she won a prize at the Leeds Beckett degree show for outstanding work.

She was competing against more than 500 students from 42 different universities.

"Life and death is engraved into the Orcadians landscape and my chosen brief, hydro cremation, has born from this," she said, explaining the project.

"Hydro cremation is an eco friendly version of cremation and this practice is currently available in America and is pending in the UK. Maybe one day Orkney will have its very own hydro cemetery."

Architectural firms, family and friends turned up for the awards show hosted by Professor Graeme Brooker, director of Interior Educators and head of programme at the Royal College of Art.

Esme, who attended Queen Elizabeth School, said that she was 'shocked' to have won the award.

"I was so shocked because I really did not expect it," the 21-year-old said. "There were so many students there."

She said that she received 'really positive feedback' about the project and had even secured an interview off the back of it.

"I am looking to work in London and there were so many companies there and it really looks good to have won," she said.

Esme is now undertaking a two week placement with an architectural firm in Liverpool. At the moment, she plans to spend a year in industry and then return to university to study for a master's degree.